Metal Roof vs Asphalt Shingles: The Honest Side-by-Side
Every row below is a specific, verifiable number or behavior — no vague "it depends" filler. The decision framework and both live calculators follow the table.
| Factor | Metal Roofing | Asphalt Shingles | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cost/square 2026 | $700–$1,400 | $350–$550 | Shingles |
| Lifespan | 40–70 yrs | 15–30 yrs | Metal |
| Roofs owned over 50 yrs | 1 | 2–3 | Metal |
| Wind rating | Up to 140 mph systems | 110–130 mph architectural | Metal |
| Fire rating | Class A | Class A (fiberglass mat) | Tie |
| Snow shedding | Sheds — needs guards | Holds snow | Depends |
| Hail behavior | Dents (cosmetic) | Granule loss/bruising | Depends |
| Insurance discounts | Common in hail/fire states | Rare | Metal |
| Energy (cool coatings) | Reflects — up to ~20% cooling savings | Absorbs heat | Metal |
| DIY repair | Specialist | Common trade | Shingles |
| Resale value recoup | ~60% (Remodeling data) | ~60% | Tie |
| 50-yr cost of 20 squares | ≈$14k–28k once | ≈$14k–33k across 2–3 roofs | Metal |
Decision framework
Choose metal to buy your last roof — longevity, wind, fire, insurance.
Choose shingles for upfront cost and universal contractor availability.
Run your own numbers — both tools, live
Metal Roofing Calculator
Shingle Calculator
Next steps: metal roofing calculator, or see the full project workflows and state-specific pricing. Field detail on the complete paving guide.
Data verified: · pricing sources · methodology.